It is a known fact that men die at higher rates and earlier than women for all of the leading causes of death. However, the sad reality is that men and doctors do not mix. Study after study shows that men are reluctant to go to the doctor for regular check-ups.

Many men will go to the doctor only when they have a medical emergency. Regularly scheduled medical care is a big part of preventing cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. Experts believe that the failure of men and doctors to meet on a regular basis could be one reason why women live longer than men and why men are more likely to get and die of serious diseases.

Why do some men refuse to go to the doctor regularly? Here are 10 reasons why many men skip this important appointment.

1. “Boy Code”
Men are told when they are young that big boys don’t cry. That thought stays with them forever. While women are fairly open with their friends and family, men don’t like to complain about their health. It’s not considered to be masculine. But while we may be able to “shake off” a bad bruise or sprain, there are plenty other examples where symptoms will only get worse if you don’t receive treatment.

2. I’m healthy. Why get a check-up?
You may be right but you’re not a doctor. Some serious diseases don’t have symptoms. Examples are high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Identifying a health problem early can make a huge difference in the quality and length of your life.

3. It all just feels too awkward
Men aren’t used to being probed and examined like women are. What we should not forget is that we only need a prostate cancer exam when we reach 50. Even then, our chances of survival are much better if it’s caught early. So it’s worth the exam. But it’s only one small portion of a physical. Don’t let one test stop you from getting all the benefits of an annual physical.

4. I don’t have time
This is an age-old male excuse. Most men have a busy lifestyle. The solution is to find a doctor who is accessible and can work around your office hours. The average guy watches 16 hours of TV a week. Making time for a 30 minute visit once a year and maybe a couple follow up visits as needed should not impose too much on your leisure time.

5. I can’t afford a check-up
Many times, doctors are willing to work with patients who cannot afford the visiting costs. If your doctor orders a bunch of tests or medications, it’s okay to inquire about less-expensive alternatives. Do not forget that there are many free health clinics that operate across the country.

6. I don’t have a doctor
Start by finding a doctor you trust. But you’ll never know if you trust one unless you try. Check the local listings for doctors in your area. Call their offices and ask questions, or check around online. It’s also a good idea to check with friends and family for recommended doctors.

7. This looks weird, but I hope it’ll just go away
Even something as innocuous as a mole needs to be checked out. Melanoma is a cancer of the skin’s pigment-producing cells and it kills thousands of people each year. What’s more, one out of every 58 people will be diagnosed with it in his or her lifetime. Still, many men drag their feet. Because they are afraid of what the doctor might say…

8. I do not want the doctor to pick up on my bad habits
Afraid the doctor will talk to you about your smoking, drinking habits or the fact that you have put on weight? The reality is that your doctor is there to help you. You can deny your reality, but you can’t deny the consequences. So be smart: Listen to someone who’ll tell you truths you need to hear. Be coachable.

9. Lack of female encouragement/nagging
Men who do not have a girlfriend, wife or mum nagging them are less likely to go the doctor. Let’s be honest, you think going to the doctor is a chick thing. And it’s true − women go to the doctor four times more frequently than men do. Maybe that’s why women live longer than men.

10. I’m suspicious of the side-effects from prescribed medicine
Medicine scare stories are legion. In reality, medicines are subjected to years of testing before being brought to market. The bottom line is that prescription drugs are safe if prescribed and used properly.

Men must accept that the responsibility for their health lies with no-one but themselves. Real men can and should go to the doctor. It’s good for men’s health and it’s time to start setting a better example for real boys.

 

Sources
http://www.heart.org
http://www.menshealth.com
http://abcnews.go.com
http://au.askmen.com